Journal

Rituals are a funny thing. By retaining routine or habits, we inevitably feel more in control of our lives. When things are shifting, changing, or unpredictable, our rituals keep us grounded rather than up in the air. It’s definitely not a science, but it goes a long way to explain why, when we are travelling, our rituals become even more important. If you’re a habitual work-traveller, it’s often the little things that can minimise stress. After all, sometimes there’s no avoiding a long-haul flight and a busy schedule, but there are ways to create pleasure in the routine. We’ve compiled a shortlist of our go-to travel rituals that keep our feet on the ground just enough for us to feel totally elated by the thrill of the new.

Your Airport Groove

The real success in achieving smooth airport check-ins lies in the journey. More specifically, the timing of that journey. If you’re habitually late for your flight, make it a new ritual to be 30 minutes early. Quelling your stress before the journey has even begun will enable you to enjoy the experience rather than merely surviving it. Being a seasoned traveller, take the time to answer last minute emails from the comfort of the airline lounge, glass of champagne in hand. Before boarding, we like to stretch our legs on the way to stock up on the latest Vanity Fair and Russh. After all, embarking on a flight means being unreachable for a time; a modern luxury that we don’t take lightly. Make the most of your airtime.

On-Board Essentials

This is important: what you pack in your carry-on is the difference between a good flight and hours of dry skin, chapped lips, and sleep deprivation. Rituals when packing will mean you hone in on your favourite products and creature comforts over time. We start with Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray for intermittent spritzes, a lush lip-balm from Eve Lom, a super hydrating moisturiser like this one from French Girl, and a luxe cashmere scarf to replace any scratchy airplane blankets. Then comes a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones, a change of clothes for the long-haul flights, and a silk eye mask from Slip. You won’t know yourself once you disembark.

Mario Badescu

Make It Feel Like Home

Another day, another beige hotel room that has less charm than the last. Small rituals, like lighting a candle, can be much-needed creature comforts. We love our Tuscan Fig travel candle and don’t go anywhere without it. A smell of home even when you’re far from it can do wonders for a good night’s sleep, not to mention the soul. Decorating your room with a scarf or two can add some colour and character to dreary decor, while bringing your silk pillowcase along for the journey will make a world of difference to a good night’s sleep.

Take A Moment

For those of us who travel for work, the novelty can quickly wear off. Another delayed flight, customs queue, or sad in-flight meal and suddenly the envious texts from your partner or friends feel ironic and misplaced. But the fact is you’re living a lifestyle many would consider a dream: A transient life of changing landscapes and new experiences. It’s easy to bury our heads in our phones, forgetting where we are and just blindly moving to the relentless beat of work. Grace Coddington once said that she mindfully sticks to the habit of looking out at the world, rather than down at her emails, when being whisked between international fashion shows. This is one ritual we sure can use more of, travelling or not.